i'm sure this has been discussed before, but i can't find anything because the search doesn't work too well. i'm changing my oil for the first time on my new-to-me sv650 at 3500 miles, and need oil recommendations. i'm not a fan of mobil 1 or using fleet/diesel oil (shell rotella) kinda scares me. any other recommendations? and word on valvoline's motorcycle oil? the shop guys are recommending silkolene, but i've never heard of them before.

about search, any way to make it search using only thread subjects?

If your paranoia makes you want the best for your bike, get AMSOil through one of the members here. He can get it for you at cost. PM 90GS500rehab for the discount or if you don't want to wait here is his link:

http://www.amsoil.com/redirect.cgi?zo=1061871&page=store

They also make some of the best oil fiters too.

Thanks snowman. Yes I am a dealer and like I said in a previous post you can order through me for cheap (ie my cost) or order it straight off the website and I will donate ALL profit to gstwin.com. Check my sig for the ordering address or PM me. This goes for everyone else. The 10w-40 has no friction modifiers and is made for bikes. You could even run the "v-twin" AMSOIL 20w-50 in a tired motor.

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2583&highlight=oil
http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2450&highlight=

These are some good threads about oil. I personally learned a bunch from these posts. In the first one GSjack gives a bunch of good info at the bottom.

i use niaki silver myself.  silver's the premium, gold's synthetic.  that's what my shop uses for oil changes, and what i had recommended to me.  so far so good with it.

Quote from: Black SnowmanIf your paranoia makes you want the best for your bike, get AMSOil through one of the members here. He can get it for you at cost. PM 90GS500rehab for the discount or if you don't want to wait here is his link:

Snowman, I notice you use Rotella T 5w-40 I am leaning towards this oil. Would it be ok in 10w-40? Why 5w-40. Sorry, I am an oil idiot!